As members of the Marine Conservation Society we have 'adopted' the beach outside the apartments; Browns Bay, and are responsible for keeping it clean, recording statistics etc. We also work closely with Dove Marine laboratory and can arrange private viewings for guests with an interest in Marine Biology. Visit Tynemouth's excellent Sealife Centre for talks on local sealife and St Mary's Lighthouse. For guidance on which fish to eat to preserve our stocks, visit fishonline.org

For delicious local produce during your stay try local organic boxes , or visit The Rising Sun country park. The 'Deli Round the Corner' in Tynemouth stocks local produce, and Nicholson's Butchers in Park View, Whitley Bay has local meats. There's also a Farmers Market every 3rd Sat at Tynemouth Metro Station. For fish fresh off the boat, pop along to North Shields fish quay - just 5 mins away. You will find Fairtrade produce in your welcome basket too!

There are fantastic transport links here so you rarely need to use your car. There are great walks just outside your front door, or for private guided walks email Derek Teasdale: DTeasdale1@aol.com, prices £12 per person. For bus and Metro timetables see Nexus. If you do take your car, why not check out onegreenroute for a list of garages in the area with eco friendly fuel. For walk itineraries see 'Discover Northumbria on 2 feet' at visitnorthumbria.

We use energy saving lightbulbs, and most appliances are A rated energy efficient, and we try to re-cycle when possible having successfully lobbied our local council to provide re-cycle bins for the apartments!

In the garden we use natural products where possible (feel free to add to our compost bin!), and we plant to attract wildlife, such as buddleia and sedum. Vist birdwatching Nothumbria for guidance on local sea and garden birds and feel free to fill in the Nature Diary with any spottings - it is good to know what species are around!